Bumpercise & Aquatots was set up in 2003 whilst I was pregnant with my second child. It is my 'wish list' of all I wanted for exercise and swimming lessons whilst pregnant, postnatal, and with a toddler.

I wanted aerobics and aqua classes that were available for pregnant ladies who were working, or who already had children at home who they needed to look after - thus the evening antenatal classes. I wanted continuity whereby mums can transfer to the postnatal classes after their baby is born and see their friends again.

I wanted the postnatal classes to have an emphasis on Mum, but allow new Mums to incorporate their baby into the sessions wherever possible. I wanted safe, realistic and appropriate exercise classes where new Mums could get to know other Mums and participate without having to be apart from their baby. I wanted a crèche for older babies and toddlers!!

I wanted to make the classes affordable, and I didn't want to charge people who could not attend. It is unsafe for pregnant ladies to exercise whilst they are ill, and I wanted to relieve the pressure of feeling that you have paid for something, and must therefore attend no matter what. I wanted new mums to be free from the pressure of being charged for a class when they may have already had a dreadful day and failed to get out of the door in time to make the class.

I wanted parents to teach their babies and toddlers to swim in a clean, safe environment and at an affordable price. I feel very strongly that swimming should not be a privilege of the wealthy and should be accessible to all. Having a baby often means a drop in salary and some financial pressure - I did not want to add to it.

I am now some of the way to achieving my dream.